Demon Spade's Essence

There was no doubt that these animals were Shiki's doing. The animals that were strengthened by plants called IQ had extraordinary strength.

However, these animals that Shiki let loose were obviously different from before. Those animals were stronger and fiercer than it was supposed to. Either Shiki had a breakthrough in his research, or these animals had undergone some sort of changes, especially because the information stated that each of these animals had the strength of a Rear Admiral, and the powerful ones were even close to that of a Lieutenant General, and the one who provided that information was Squalo!

This was not a joke. If it was true, Shiki's animal army was likely to become very powerful in a short period of time. It might even rival Pacifista in the future.

The most important thing of all was this animal army must've costed less money than Vegapunk's Pacifista or Moska that Giotto expected to be ready in a few years!

"Get someone to capture a few of those animals and then hand them over to Shoichi to analyze. We'll have to see what Shiki has done."

Giotto took a deep breath and said, "Shiki's research progresses too fast. It is impossible for him to achieve this much with just his scientist. He must've had external help. Have Xanxus investigate this matter. There will definitely be some clues left behind. Focus on Germa Kingdom and a scientist called Caesar Clown. I suspect that it's either one of those two who helps Shiki."

Vinsmoke Judge and Caesar Clown were both extraordinary scientists. Although they weren't as capable as Vegapunk, they were quite famous in their own right.

If they had come to an agreement with Shiki and helped him with Shiki's research to strengthen his animal army with IQ, then Shiki's research progress would indeed be much faster.

"Understood, I will immediately inform Xanxus. Speaking of which, Shoichi-san seems to be busy building his own Box Weapon recently. Do you want him to stop and focus on these animals first?" Robin nodded and then took note of the things she needed to convey. She was very earnest in this type of occasion.

Shoichi Irie was indeed immersed in building his Box Weapon in on a small uninhabited island near Secon Island. After he finished building it, it would also become the exclusive area for ​​the Technical Department.

Moreover, he planned to equip it with a lot of weapons that Verde had already invented and turned Merone Base into Secon Island's defense line in the future!

Giotto also knew about this. He also planned to relocate the Family to Merone Base after Millefiore Family was unlocked.

"Well, he can analyze the animals once he has time. Analyzing those animals is not a big deal for Shoichi. It won't take long if it's him..."

Giotto smiled. He trusted Shoichi Irie very much. "Forget it. I will tell him about this personally. I want to see how Merone Base's construction is going while I'm at it. After all, there is still a year before it is officially put into use. The task of being a leader is quite heavy! I only hope that he won't get a stomachache because of this."

Unbeknownst to Giotto. In the unfinished Merlot Base, Shoichi Irie was lying on the sofa because of a stomachache. He had been working late for so long that his body was almost at its limit. Although he possessed Sun Flame and a Fake Mare Ring in the plot, his physical endurance was far inferior to other Sun Flame users.

After all, Sun Flame users are usually pretty tough, but Shoichi Irie was just... 

Perhaps he used Sun Flame's Activation characteristic on his brain instead, turning him into an extremely smart but also extremely weak.

Wano Country.

Fran strolled around the street in boredom. When he saw delicious food, he bought some. He rarely had any holiday, so he planned to have a good rest this time.

He at first planned to go somewhere else, but he felt traveling far away was a hassle. Besides, his boss had this habit of suddenly giving him a task to someplace close to wherever he went to. If that really happened, he'd rather stay in Wano Country.

"I finally get a vacation for once, so let me have a break for once!"

At this time, Fran frowned, and after complaining a bit, he walked towards the outskirts.

Not long after, he walked into a forest on the outskirts and said, "Since you're already here, why are you still hiding? Although I don't know what you're thinking, it's definitely not a good thing to suddenly come and find me like this. So, if you have something to say, just say it! Don't disturb my vacation, okay? And the thought of facing someone like you already sent chills down my spine."

"Hmm? As expected of that Mukuro Rokudo's disciple, and n illusionist who can even fool Vindice. Even if you know it's me, you can still stay this calm, huh?"

From the trees, Demon Spade slowly walked out with a polite smile on his face. "I only came here for a very simple matter; taking your Hell Ring. I don't want to fight you if possible, so can you just hand it over to me?"

"Ah... I thought that my master's hair is weird. I don't know how to put it. Are you planning to change your hairstyle with Hell Ring?"

"Pa!"

Fran snapped his fingers, and his hairstyle turned into Demon Spade's.

Demon Spade's mouth couldn't help but twitch. Following Mist Flame's emergence, a scythe appeared in his hand. His eyes became extremely cold. "Looks like you won't hand over the ring if I don't get serious!"